1 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 4

of the Virgin. Its symbolism also
denotes the Holy Spirit descending on Christ at His Baptism, "He saw
the Spirit of God descending like a dove to alight upon Him.." (Matt.
3:16-17) Its use in the simile later in Matthew 10:16, "be wary as
serpents, innocent as doves," seems to imply the meaning of
gentleness.

Christian art depicts the dove hovering over the Virgin's head as

symbolizing Mary's submissive innocence. Numerous saints have also
been depicted in art as with hovering doves in the allegory of divine
inspiration, such as: Saint Thomas Aquinas, Saint Fabian, St. Gregory,
the Great, St. Louis, St. Dustan, among others. In early Christian
paintings, the dove's head is surrounded by a 'Golden Nimbus'
frequently in the form of a cross, or made by seven rays which
terminated in seven stars to symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy
Spirit.
and the dove became a Christian symbol of 'Peace'-'Pax' in the
catacombs of Rome. Figuring on tombs or sarcophagus, the dove is said
to represent grief or martyrdom.

All the conceptualization were derived from the close observation
and familiarity of (pigeons) doves, and from and intimate under-
standing of the physiological characteristics. The doves were probably
the earliest creatures to be domesticated my man, for they are easily
raised. From historical records it was clear that they were domes-
ticated independently in several points in the ancient world. It was
established in the early Dynasties of Ancient Egypt and the first
record of its use as a table bird is in the IV Dynasty (2,500 BC).
Evidence of an earlier day is seen in the terra cotta dove of
Mesopotamia (4,500 BC). Some authorities speculated that the dove
(pigeon) was at first domesticated for food, and that later it became
important in sacrificial rites. The Talmud (Commentaries on the Bible)
states that no birds are more persecuted than turtle doves and young
pigeons - yet the Bible regards only them as worthy of being offered
upon the altar. (BK 93A)

Doves (pigeons) were also the only domesticated birds kept in large
numbers by the Israelites. It became fashionable, at that time, to
build huge dovecotes on the ledges inside the walls. King Herod was
Referred to as a breeder of doves as recorded by Josephus, the Jewish
historian. During the Roman period it has been mentioned in historical
Reference there were dovecotes, which sometimes housed 5,000 birds.
Even large caves were adapted for that purpose - e.g. it still can be
seen along the Judean Hills near Beit Guvrin.

Their relationship within

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about The white dove and its significance?
We want to hear your view. Write now!